KOTA KINABALU: A mall in Sandakan is not collapsing as claimed on social media, and loud sounds heard were just tiles cracking, says its management.

       The Harbour Mall Sandakan management debunked claims that the building was unsafe after viral videos on social media showed people rushing out of the mall, purportedly because an earthquake had hit the building.

       A video shows mall goers rushing down escalators while another shows crowds standing outside the mall as people empty the building.

       "We wish to address today's false news being circulated showing shoppers rushing out from our mall.

       "Yes indeed there was some loud noise from level 4. It was caused by a small section of floor tiles popping out this morning.

       "Please be assured that our mall building is in absolute good tenable condition and no structural issues as claimed by some irresponsible parties," said the mall management in a statement on Sunday (June 12).

       In another post, the mall said personnel from the Sandakan Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) enforcement unit came to check the mall following reports of the incident, and confirmed that there were cracked tiles at one of the shops, but this was not a serious issue.

       "Mall operations continue as normal," said the representative.